5 Healthy Activities Aging Adults Can Enjoy at Home

By Glenn Krakow, 9:00 am on August 15, 2017

Staying healthy doesn’t require a gym membership or a trip to the nearest park. Here are a few activities that can keep seniors physically and mentally healthy, and all can be done from the comfort of their own home.

1. Gardening

Many seniors enjoy tending to their garden. However, they may not realize it’s also a great source of exercise. The exertion involved in gardening, from weeding to planting, works the muscles and boosts cardiovascular health. Seniors who plant fruits and vegetables get a regular source of fresh produce.

If your loved one needs assistance with gardening or managing other day-to-day tasks, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same senior care services. El Dorado County families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

2. Working Out

For seniors who don’t exercise often, signing up for a gym membership can be intimidating. Seniors who would rather work out from the comfort of their own living room can use an exercise DVD to stay fit. There are many exercise DVDs specifically made for seniors, offering tutorials in everything from yoga to Pilates. Many libraries have a wide selection of exercise videos. Seniors should check out some DVDs, purchase an exercise mat, and begin their fitness journey.

Seniors who need help around the house and assistance with exercise can benefit from having a live-in caregiver. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care El Dorado County, CA, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.

3. Meditating

Meditation is a great way to boost emotional wellbeing. It has many benefits, ranging from enhancing memory to reducing stress. For seniors who are feeling lonely or anxious, practicing mindfulness can be a great relief. They don’t need to sit cross-legged on the floor, humming under their breath. Many guided meditation exercises ask practitioners to sit on a chair, close their eyes, and focus on the movement of their breath. Performing this simple activity for a few minutes every day can have tangible effects on mental and emotional health, and seniors should try to incorporate it into their daily schedule.

4. Doing Brain Puzzles

The body isn’t the only thing that needs a workout. If seniors want to keep their minds healthy, they should exercise them as well. There are many brain puzzles created specifically for seniors, from Sudoku books to word searches. Seniors should find a type of puzzle they enjoy and try to do one every day. Their mental acuity may increase over time, and they’re sure to have fun. Tech-savvy seniors can use their mobile devices to play word games and puzzles, and there are many apps designed to test seniors’ brains.

5. Sleeping

For optimum health, seniors should get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Poor sleep is associated with confusion, depression, reduced memory, and daytime lethargy. If seniors have a difficult time getting a good night’s rest, they should exercise regularly, maintain a standard sleep schedule, and avoid caffeine late in the day.

Searching for different healthy activities and making the necessary arrangements for seniors can be an overwhelming task. Family caregivers looking for a break should consider hiring a professional caregiver. El Dorado County respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed. If your loved one needs assistance with daily activities, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 358-3801 or (530) 409-4411 today.